Living in Texas, I go through tons of water when I'm paddling on a summer day. A sport bottle in the cup holder only lasts a short time, and the sun quickly heats the water, even if it's packed with ice. So I created a hydration system that stores a large amount of water without having to keep it in the sun or on my back. I replaced an unused "screw-in pad eye" with a "shock cord end screw in" on which I had enlarged the hole. Then I ran an insulated CamelBak hydration tube through the hole, and placed the water reservoir inside the hull. I'm looking for a small softside cooler to further insulate the reservoir. Now I can drink up to 3 liters of water without having to change containers, without taking up any room in the cockpit, and it stays icy cold all day!

The water reservoir can fit fore or aft, so there is plenty of room for the gear bucket ("Tupperware" as I call it,) even if you have the extra-deep model.

The foam insulation on the tube provides a nice snug fit through the hole, so there is almost no leakage into the hull.

I also found the paddle tends to fall off the side paddle holders easily unless I secure it with the shock cord. But sometimes I want to keep the paddle handy for a quick stroke here and there, but not have to fool with tensioning and un-tensioning the shock cord every time. Solution: Attach 2 mending plates. The mending plates and the stainless steel sheet metal screws used to install them both came from Lowe's. They are in the hardware aisle, in the drawers of speciality items. Total cost: under $5.

Note I can adjust the height of these by removing the screws and moving the mending plates up or down, but the height I have them at works quite well.

That hydration idea is a winner. I have to be very careful about hydration due to some health issues and that thing just may be the ticket for me. No more carring a cooler for a few drinks. Thanks for the idea!

_________________Perception Caster and Proud owner of a 2012 Hobie Outback

Rob, great idea on the bladder, I have one that I use for other purposes, but going to implement something similar for sure. My cooler space is reserved for fish!

On that paddle deal, what we've done on wooden yaks rather than drilling holes, is to use a 6-8" piece of romex house wire, simply bend a short piece into hook, and curl one under deck bungies fore and aft. Instant paddle keeper at your side, ready for use. It's easily removable at end of day too. Just another thought to your great observation about having the paddle handy at times. Also, I keep a tiny homemade paddle for subtle side or back movements.

Great idea with the bladder. Your paddle keepers are a good thought. I got a "paddle clip" from Austin Kayak that I really like. Tell them to do a special order from Hobie. $10 including shipping. Works perfectly. Rivet it on.

Just re-created your fantastic idea on our new Revo 11 & Revo 13. What a grand idea. When we won't be using the hydration hole, purchased some foam ear plugs to stick in the hole.

The 13' was easy to do, just like your pic. In the 11' I switched the mirage drive bungie with the pad eye across the boat and put in a second bungie plug to drill through so the hose would be on the opposite side of the rudder control instead of adding a new hole in the boat.